A bit of history

Statement of Significance
Our building is dedicated to St Michael and All Angels and stands on the south side of the Calder valley, two miles South of Dewsbury. There has been a church on the site since Anglo-Saxon times. Since the late l4th century its history has been closely linked with that of the important Savile family. The church is of interest both as an historic building, for the important monuments and outstanding medieval stained glass which it contains and for its important place in the community today. It is a Grade 1 Listed Building in the heart of the Thornhill Conservation area. It is listed in Simon Jenkins' book " England's Thousand Best Churches"- as a warm and friendly building.
We are fortunate to have a building such as this but it carries long term major repair and maintenance responsibilities which can hinder the work of the church.
The major repairs and restoration of the building at the turn of the millennium and later did, however, give an impetus for the Renewal of the work and witness of the people in this place. As well as being the centre for Anglican worship in the community it is widely used by the community for weddings, baptisms and funerals. Work with babies, families and young people is developing. The church promotes many artistic activities to place it in the heart of the community. In many ways it has reverted to the historic role of a church building as a place in which many activities were held. Unusually, perhaps, the annual Bazaar and Summer Fair are held in it.